Program Manager - Psychological and Speech Services
Operations
Columbus, GA, USA
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| POSITION TITLE: | Program Manager - Psychological and Speech Services | FLSA: | Exempt |
| SALARY: | Teacher Salary Schedule | WORK DAYS: | 240 |
| LOCATION: | Muscogee County Public Education Center (MCPEC) | REPORTS TO: | Executive Director – Program for Exceptional Students |
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Program Manager for Psychological and Speech Services was created to provide leadership, coordination, supervision, and oversight of psychological and speech-language services within the Program for Exceptional Students. This position collaborates closely with School Psychologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, administrators, and other educational professionals to ensure that evaluations, interventions, and related services are delivered consistently and in compliance with district procedures as well as all applicable state and federal regulations.
The Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of psychological and speech-language services, ensuring alignment with the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements. The role serves as a key resource for school personnel by providing professional development, technical assistance, consultation, and guidance based on current best practices and professional standards. Additionally, the Program Manager supports compliance with school, district, state, and federal requirements while fostering continuous improvement in service delivery. Through program oversight and collaboration with administrators, counselors, teachers, and support staff, the Program Manager promotes consistency, quality, and effectiveness across psychological and speech-language services. The position helps ensure that students receive appropriate evaluations, interventions, and supports that provide equitable access to educational opportunities and contribute to their academic, social-emotional, and functional success.
| REQUIREMENTS: |
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| 1. Educational Level: | Doctoral degree in psychology specializing in school psychology. |
| 2. Certification/License: | Valid certification in school psychology and licensed as a psychologist. Valid driver’s license. |
| 3. Experience: | A minimum of 10 years’ experience as a practicing psychologist. |
| 4. Physical Activities: | Routine physical activities that are required to fulfill job responsibilities |
| 5. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: | KNOWLEDGE is required of the Program Manager for Psychological and Speech Services and knowledge of School Board policies and procedures. Considerable knowledge of psychological evaluation, consultation, counseling, social skills, and crisis intervention. Knowledge of how to meet the child find obligations of identifying students with disabilities. Extensive knowledge of professional issues related to school psychology, federal and state regulations/laws, due process, professional ethics, technology, and school reform.
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; Ability to plan, organize and facilitate productive teaming; and preparing and maintaining accurate records, and strong verbal and written communication skills are imperative. Skills in interviewing, communication, and interpersonal relationships.
ABILITY required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Ability to make sound professional judgments and demonstrate leadership abilities. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; and work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining confidentiality; facilitating communication between persons with frequently divergent positions; working as part of a team and communicating with diverse groups and individuals; transport self to over 20 school sites, programs, and support facilities. |
Essential Functions:
- Schedules and coordinates district office coverage to support the review of incoming students, conduct parent conferences, and participate in required meetings.
- Plans, organizes, and monitors professional learning opportunities to strengthen staff knowledge, skills, and overall effectiveness.
- Collaborates with district administrators and cross-departmental teams to improve staff performance and ensure program goals and outcomes are achieved.
- Facilitates team processes and peer review activities to maintain high standards of practice and maximize staff performance.
- Ensures adherence to all district, state, and federal policies, procedures, and regulations to maintain legal and procedural compliance.
- Assigns responsibilities equitably by considering staff expertise, available resources, and school-specific needs to optimize services and support high-quality programs for students with disabilities.
- Works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Director, Program for Exceptional Students (PES) Program Managers, Coordinators, Specialists, School Psychologists, and Speech-Language Pathologists to ensure the provision of high-quality services in both in-person and virtual settings.
- Participates in personnel selection and hiring processes in collaboration with the Director, supports leadership development, and assists with performance management and separation procedures to maintain a highly qualified workforce.
- Monitors and ensures timely and appropriate consideration of IDEA eligibility determinations to support compliance with federal requirements.
- Develops, maintains, and monitors accountability measures and tracking systems to support program oversight and legal compliance.
- Provides consultation to school personnel, district staff, and families regarding educational, behavioral, and psychological concerns to ensure students receive appropriate supports and services.
- Assists in the oversight and monitoring of Section 504, MTSS, and SST processes and related data to ensure effective implementation and compliance.
- Collaborates with the district Crisis Intervention Team to coordinate support and services for students experiencing crises or requiring intensive intervention.
- Supports district initiatives related to mental health, Section 504 compliance, MTSS/SST implementation, data-based problem solving, and evidence-based psychological and educational practices at the student, classroom, school, and district levels.
- Promotes the consistent and effective implementation of districtwide services and programs while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Maintains regular attendance and punctuality to support the effective operation of the department and achievement of organizational goals.
- Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
The Muscogee County School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age (40 or older), sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.